DC 211 Warmline
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in the District of Columbia. You can also call 202 463 6211.
Official page: 211warmline.dc.gov/page/contact-us-22
Find Help Near You in District of Columbia
Private help lines for the District of Columbia, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in the District who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call the Department of Human Services. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In Washington DC, the Department of Human Services at 202 671 4200 can tell you about help with rent and bills. Ask what is open now.
Official page: 211warmline.dc.gov, dhs.dc.gov
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. You could call the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia at 202 628 1161, or Neighborhood Legal Services Program at 202 832 6577.
Official page: legalaiddc.org, nlsp.org
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. LIHEAP helps households who qualify pay heating and cooling bills. Dial 211 or contact the Department of Energy and Environment at 202 535 2600 to apply.
Official page: doee.dc.gov/liheap
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and United Planning Organization. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The DC Office of Human Rights takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: ohr.dc.gov
What does DCHFA offer renters?
The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency shares housing resources across Washington DC, with tools to help you search for affordable apartments, understand rental programs and connect with local housing support. Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below.
Official page: dchfa.org
How do I find my local service center?
Dial 211, or use the office finder on the DHS website.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can make the visit go faster. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in the District of Columbia
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
DC Department of Human Services service centers
District offices for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF and other help across all wards. The customer service center is 202 727 5355.
Official page: dhs.dc.gov
DC Department of Human Services, Housing Services
District programs for residents, including shelter, outreach and help to stay housed. You can also call 311 in DC.
Official page: dhs.dc.gov
DC LIHEAP (energy help)
Help paying winter heating bills and cooling bills for households who qualify, through the Department of Energy and Environment.
Official page: doee.dc.gov/liheap
Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
Civil legal help across the District for people who qualify, with problems like housing, family and benefits.
Official page: legalaiddc.org
Neighborhood Legal Services Program
Civil legal help in Washington DC for people who qualify, including housing and eviction support.
Official page: nlsp.org
DC Office of Human Rights
The District office that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints.
Official page: ohr.dc.gov
DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA)
Information for renters and homeowners in the District, including affordable rental homes and homebuyer programs.
Official page: dchfa.org
District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA)
Public housing, housing choice vouchers and affordable housing programs in the District.
Official page: services.dchousing.org/contactus.aspx
United Planning Organization (UPO)
The local community action agency for the District of Columbia, helping with energy bills, emergency needs, job support and family services.
Official page: upo.org
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say your hours got cut in Washington DC
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could apply for energy help through the Department of Energy and Environment. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call legal aid the same day.
Or say you're behind on rent in Washington DC. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call or visit your local service center and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and contact legal aid if you got court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in Washington DC."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.